As I sat at my desk working away today, I listened to the talkback radio (it feels like someones having a natter in the background). All I heard were stories about the most terrible train and truck crash in country Victoria. It seems that 10 people who hopped on a train bound for Melbourne are dead and many many more are seriously injured. We see it on the news all the time in foreign countries, but when it happens so close to your own home - well, it makes you hug the ones you love a little harder.
But the heartwarming part of all the talkback callers were the 'Angels' who came out of nowhere to help strangers. As the crash was in a very remote area, it took awhile for the emergency crews to be on the scene. People jumped fences, left their cars on the road and ran to help people - seeing sights they never thought they would, helping those in shock, so much goodwill from so much sadness. It got me thinking how we take for granted those little 'Angels' that appear to help without being asked.
So I thought that this would be a good, no great, day to start our very first (on-line) Chatterbox Friendship Exchange. And the title will be "There Are Angels Among Us". This idea is actually from the original Chatterbox Club, but I don't think anyone will mind us repeating it as we kick start our first exchange.
The original idea came because I really hate watching the evening news some nights. So much hatred, wars, political fighting, terrible accidents, famine .... it just goes on and on. So I like to try and think of all the good things in my life. And top of the list are my family and friends. I come from Northern Ireland (yes I do have an accent, when I'm talking with my parents) so my family is wide spread and although we may only swap Christmas Cards they are often in my thoughts. So I decided to bring a smile to a face I'll never see by sending a little angel to watch over them - and I thought you might like to share my idea.
Find a pattern (applique or stitchery) for an angel - any sort you like. It would be ideal if the backing fabric could be no larger than 12 inches (or 30 centimetres) square and you leave at least a 2inch (or 5cm) border around the angel. If you have the time, try and make 2. Once completed, press, then on a piece of paper write something like "Handstitched By .....", your address (and email if you like) and a few brief notes about anything or nothing in particular.
Attach the paper to one of the finished items with a paper clip or safety pin, pop inside an envelope along with a stamped self addressed envelope and send it to us. No, I'm not going to keep them (damn), we will then pass your Angel on to another Chatterbox Club friend. Ideally we would like all projects in to us by 10 July 2007, mark it in your diary so you don't forget.
What to do with the second Angel you may be asking ... frame it or make as a cushion and place it in your home, then everytime you look at it you'll remember you brought a smile to someone's face you'll never see.
Over the next couple of weeks I plan on adding a few Angelic sayings to inspire you - but check out your magazines, books, any patterns available on-line from some of the shops at our links, be inspired and draw your own - whatever inspires you with the words "There Are Angels Among Us".
After we did this back in 2003 I thought that if only one or two people sent in to the Friendship Exchange, well I would make sure that I made enough so everyone got one - how shocked was I when we lay them all out, the entire lounge floor, hallway and my workroom were covered in Angels - we had fun dancing around them with delight, popping them in to their envelopes and sending them off to an unknown friend, I know many of the ladies kept in contact with their swaps and I had wonderful cards after the exchange to tell me how much it meant to them.
So if you feel like joining us - what's keeping you, start planning. Then register via the EMAIL ME button top left of the screen. Just give me your name, town and country and I'll book your spot in the exchange.
I'm off to start planning mine now. Cheers and I'll talk to you tomorrow. Janet x
PS- If you don't mind, I think I'll photograph Angels as they come in and put them in a Photo Album on the blog, with a first name underneath. It's all about "spreading the love Baaabbbeee"!
PPS - The 3 most original style Angels will win one of 3 prizes put up by Wildcraft Farm (see pics above
1. Lovely Lucy The Easiest Dolly You'll Ever Make Pattern - with small antique wooden wings
2. Polly Pin Cushion Pattern- with large antique wooden wings
3. Three Angel Stitcheries Pattern
PPPS - Let's get as many people on board as we can, email this Exchange to all your stitching friends, where ever they may be in this not so big world!
I know for sure there are Angels among us for real...with the passing of my dear friend... I know she is watching over me... which inspired me to do a quilt for her daughter about love & angels but this is the next inspirational thing on my to do list....great minds think alike I always say....hugs!!
Posted by: Darlene | Friday, 08 June 2007 at 10:42 AM
fantastic idea. I have emailed you........
Posted by: Chookyblue | Thursday, 07 June 2007 at 10:00 AM